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Wacky Wondrous White Wines of Italy

Wacky Wondrous White Wines of Italy

Wacky, Whismical, Wondrous White of

Society of Educators August 2018 PASSIONATE ROOTS Environmental Responsibility We are an Italian-American family founded in 1919 by our grandfather, John ConsumerMariani DrivenSr. We remain family-owned today and our values have remained the Highlysame. Rated Our pioneering spirit coupled with passion and our love of fine wine Leadershiphas built Banfi into America’s leading wine marketer and fine wine producer over the last four decades Innovation Our mission Hottestis to Categories nurture our leadership position by offering wines of superior quality & Value authenticity, and fostering the appreciation of wine through education, while maintaining family ownership, business ethics, and a culture of teamwork and pride in shared success.

3rd Generation President and CEO Cristina Mariani-May A Family Story 3 Generations – Family Owned and Operated

• The Banfi name comes from the aunt of Giovanni F. Mariani Sr., Teodolinda Banfi

• In 1919, in New York, Giovanni F. Mariani Sr. founded Banfi in honor of his aunt.

• It was Giovanni Mariani’s two sons, John and Harry, who expanded Banfi Vintners, and founded the Castello Banfi estate in .

• Today, the third generation, CEO and President ```Cristina Mariani- May, looks after their Italian properties as well as the thriving import business in the US.

Global Hospitality Where our Families Live

Banfi Vintners - Old Brookville, NY Castello Banfi /Banfi Riunite – Emilia Romagna, Italy Fontana Candida – Rome, Italy

Banfi Bolla – Veneto, Italy Sartori – Verona, Italy Emiliana - Chile Pacific Rim – Pacific NW

5 ITALY LAWS HOW ITALIAN WINES ARE NAMED…

• Variety - Lambrusco, , , etc. Usually in conjunction with an IGT or DOC

• Area/Zone of Production - Barolo, , Gavi, , etc.

• Grape Variety and Area/Zone - , di , Brachetto d’Acqui, etc.

• Fantasy /Proprietary Names - Excelsus, Sassicaia, Summus, , etc. Usually designated as part of an IGT or DOC ITALIAN WINE TERMS

• CASTELLO - castle • ABBAZIA - abbey • ABBOCCATO - lightly sweet • CERASUOLO - light red (cherry colored) • ALBERELLO - refers to a free standing or staked vine • CHIARETTO - pale red (rose') that looks like a bush • CLASSICO - historic or "classic" growing area of a specific zone • AMABILE - semi- sweet, off-dry • - bitter • COLLE - hill • AMARONE - means “bitter” as in Amarone della • COLLI - hills Valpolicella to differentiate from the sweet dessert recioto wines • CONSORZIO - group of producers of a specific wine • ANNATA - year • CORDONE - classic system of training vines onto wires - also • ASSAGIO - tasting known as spalliera • AZIENDA Agricola - farm, estate • D.O. - Denomination of Origin Laws passed by the Italian • BARRIQUE - small barrel Government on 12 July 1963 • BIANCO - white • D.O.C. - Denomination of Controlled Origin

• BOTTIGLIA - bottle • D.O.C.G. - Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin • BOTTE - large cask or barrel • DOLCE - sweet • BRICCO - Piemontese term for crest of a hill • ENOTECA - wine library, public or commercial • BRUT - dry () • CANTINA - or • ETICHETTA - label • CANTINE SOCIALE - wine cooperative • FATTORIA - farm or estate • CASA VINICOLA - privately owned winery • FERMENTAZIONE - fermentation ITALIAN WINE TERMS

• FERMENTAZIONE NATURALE - natural CO2 in bubbly wine • RONCO - Friuli term for terraced vineyard • FIASCO - flask • ROSSO - • FRIZZANTE - lightly sparkling • SECCO - dry • I.G.T - Typical Geographic Origin Indication • SORI - Piemontese word for the part of a slope best • IMBOTTIGLIATA - bottled (all'origine - at the source) exposed to the midday sun • INVECCHIATO - aged • SPUMANTE - sparkling wine, dry or sweet • LIQUOROSO - sweet wine usually fortified with alcohol • SUPERIORE - in DOC wines this indicates a higher level • METODO CHARMAT - sparkling wine produced by cuvee close or of alcohol or ageing and sometimes a special geographic sealed tank origin • METODO CLASSICO or TRADIZIONALE - Sparkling wine • TENDONE - system of high trellising the vines fermented in the bottle ( method) • TENUTA - farm or estate • MOSTO - must or grape juice • UVA - grape • ORO - gold • VECCHIO - old (rarely used term) • PASSITO - wine made from semi-dried • VENDEMMIA - or vintage • PERLANTE – pearl-like or with a light sparkle • VIGNA or VIGNETO - Vineyard • PERGOLA - using pole arms or arbors • VDT - VINO DA TAVOLA - • POGGIO - hill. • VIVACE - synonym for frizzante • RECIOTO - full tasting, sweet wine made from partly dried grapes • VSQ – Quality Sparkling wines • RISERVA - wine which has been aged a longer, specified time than non- Riserva counterpart. Applies to DOC and DOCG • VSQA – Aromatic Quality Sparking wines • ROSATO - rose’ • VSQPRD – Sparkling wines produced in a determined region IMPORTANT GRAPES

Albana Grecanico Ribolla Gialla Italico Bianco Riesling Renano Sauvignon Coda di Volpe Inzolia Sylvaner Torbato Damaschino Moscato/ Moscadello Trebbiano Muller Thurgau Erbaluce Nasco Falanghina Nuragus Favorita Picolit Pagadebit (Bombino) Friulano Pigato Vernaccia di San Gimignano Pinot Bianco Zibibbo (Moscato) Gewürztraminer Pinot Grigio (formerly ) Procanico /GRIGIO WINE VENETO Cantine Maschio is one of Italy’s leading producers of stellar quality Prosecco, known for delivering a fresh and lively Prosecco taste – which stands up even to the discerning palates of the Italians themselves. The Prosecco grape, which thrives in northeastern Italy’s Veneto region, delivers soft peach and melon flavors and is luscious from tantalizing start to refreshing finish.

G . PROSECCO

Prosecco is produced with a minimum 85% Glera with the addition of no more than 15% , , Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and/or Pinot Nero (vinified in bianco)

Spumante styles that may be produced are

Brut 0–12 grams per liter residual Extra Dry, Extra Sec, Extra seco 12–17 grams per liter residual sugar Dry, Sec, Seco 17–32 grams per liter residual sugar Demi-sec, Semi-seco 32–50 grams per liter residual sugar

Frizzante wines may also produced PROSECCO DOC/DOCG

Prosecco likely takes its name from the town where this vivacious wine was said to have originated. Over time, the name Prosecco was used interchangeably as the name of the grape, the town, and the wine. The ancient that has always been used in the production of Prosecco is called “Glera.” As of August 2009, the Italian government decreed that Prosecco will now refer only to the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)/ Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) or zone of origin and will no longer be used as a grape name. Maschio offers two classifications of Prosecco: D.O.C. and D.O.C.G.

D.O.C. Prosecco must come from the zone that includes 9 provinces in the Veneto and Fruili Venezia Giulia. It must be made from a minimum of 85% Glera. Vinification, production and bottling must follow strict government rules and guidelines and must meet strict standards.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, D.O.C.G. is born in the extremely delimited Valdobbiadene – zone, which lies between the towns of the same names. Like the DOC, the wine must contain a minimum 85% Glera. Superiore may be used on the label if these wines follow even more stringent production standards. The wine may also note the “rive” or specific slopes or hillsides where the grapes are born such as Rive di Colbertaldo or even the hillside of “Cartizze” PROSECCO/GLERA

Glera is the name of the predominant grape that produces the wine Prosecco. Some suggest that a sparkling wine produced with the Glera variety was first born around the town of Prosecco in and over the years the name of the town was used interchangeably w;ith the grape variety. This “Prosecco” then made its way to the Veneto region next door. Ian D’Agata’s Native of Italy suggests that some experts say the grape originated as indicated above but others believe it was born in the Colli Euganei or even Slovenia or . But, no matter where this grape variety or wine originated, “the variety and it wines was it was highly thought of ” D’Agata goes on to say that “in reality this is a group of varieties and biotypes long cultivated in Veneto and in Friuli Venezia Giulia as well as in Slovenia and Croatia.” For a while it was believed that there were three main clones. Prosecco Tondo (round berries), Prosecco (oblong almost oval berries) and Prosecco Nostrano (local or our). However Prosecco Nostrano’s DNA shows that it is really Malvasia Lunga.

Rive di Colbertaldo

1883 - Abele Bolla opens a small family inn called “Al Gambero” The wine he serves to his patrons, “”, becomes well known and often requested. 1947 - The 1st shipment of Bolla arrives in the USA 1959 - Frank Sinatra walks out of a restaurant because they do not serve Bolla Soave 1969 – Bolla becomes the number one imported wine in the USA 2009 – Bolla & Banfi 2013 – 130th anniversary of Bolla PINOT GRIGIO

• Pinot Grigio is a natural mutation of the grape variety. • There are actually more than a 1000 registered clones of Pinot • Many believe the name Pinot was used to identify the grape as the clusters of this variety resemble a pine cone – Pineau, Pin, Pigna • An alternative theory is that Pinot originated could have originated in France around a town of the name Pinos or Pignols • It has been determined by DNA that Pinot Gris was a natural mutation of Pinot Noir that likely occurred in Bugundy hundreds of years ago. A farmer notice that certain rows of his Pinot Noir (black) grapes were not expressing their traditional deep dark color, he realized that they had naturally mutated in the vineyard and he called the new mutation Pinot Gris(gray) because of the blue-gray/reddish-gray color of the grapes. • When Pinot Gris made its way to Italy in the late 1800’s, by way of Italy’s northeast corridor, the Italians kept the name Pinot but used Grigio (their word for gray) PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE DOC

• The new DOC, Italy’s 335th, is known as the Delle Venezie DOC and is approved for Pinot Grigio (still as well as sparkling) and white blends (bianco). • The delineated zone includes the entirety of the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions, as well as the province of Trentino (does not include Alto Adige). • The super-star wine of the DOC will undoubtedly be its Pinot Grigio. A large majority of the varietal Pinot Grigio produced in Italy comes from this area, and much of it will now qualify for DOC status. Delle Venezie DOC will be used with the release of the 2017 vintage. • In line with EU standards, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC will be required to be at least 85% Pinot Grigio. The remainder may be any white grape allowed to be grown in the region, which includes Chardonnay, Friulano (aka Tai), Garganega, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, and Verduzzo, among others. Sparkling Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC must be tank-fermented, and must contain less than 32 g/L of residual sugar. • Blended white wines (bianco) of the DOC will be allowed to be made with any aromatic white grape that is permitted to be cultivated in the area, as long as at least 50% is comprised of one or more of the following: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Müller-Thurgau, Garganega, Verduzzo, or Friulano (aka Tai). • The protected geographical indication formerly known as the IGT/P delle Venezie will now be known as the IGT/P TreVenezie it does NOT include a Pinot Grigio.

Sartori di Verona

For over a century, Sartori, a leading name in fine wines from northeast Italy’s Veneto region, has stood for traditional values elevated by innovation, a dedication to quality and — above all — a boundless passion for quality .

The family took its first step in 1898, when Pietro Sartori bought Villa Maria, a vineyard with a small cellar attached, in the heart of the Veneto region’s Valpolicella district, to assure a source of high quality wine for his hotel. This marked the advent of Sartori di Verona. A few years later, Pietro’s son, Regolo, built the winery into the family’s core business, and by the 1950s Regolo’s two sons expanded the winery and brought these wines to international recognition, exporting them around the world.

Today, Andrea Sartori, Pietro’s great-grandson, is at the helm. Like his forefathers, he has taken steps to broaden the reputation of Sartori di Verona and to guarantee the quality behind it.

Most recently, in 2006, Sartori introduced a new premium collection of Veneto wines crafted by Bernabei at its new winery, I Saltari, in the Mezzane Valley, east of Verona. The winery is named after the mercenary vineyard guardians, known in native dialect as Saltari, hired by vineyard owners from the 16th through the 18th centuries to protect their grapes from thieves and bandits. With legal authority to shoot grape thieves on sight, the Saltari were ready defenders of the . The choice of the name reflects the winery’s own dedication to defending tradition and expressing these vineyards’ unique .

A constant theme over the last century has been the Sartori family’s bond with their land: it is a heritage that has evolved and is reflected in their new interpretations of the great classical Veronese wines, as well as in their innovative expressions of traditional .

FERNANDA & REGOLO SARTORI SOAVE

• Soave, perhaps, takes its name from the "Suavi" people who inhabited the area in the region of the Veneto or, if you prefer to believe tradition, was the name given by Dante to the town because of the "suavity of its wines"…or it has even been attributed to Romeo! It was said, that after a tryst with Giulietta, a servant saw Romeo swirling and sipping from a glass of white wine and overheard Romeo whispering, “Soave, Soave, Soave”. The servant wasn’t sure if Romeo was murmuring about the lusciousness of the wine or the “suavity” of Giulietta’s kisses. Whatever the case, Soave is a delightful white based on the indigenous Garganega varietal. Soave was said to be a favorite of the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio who once observed, “Soave is the wine of youth and love…I drink it in homage to the past. If it can’t restore me to age of twenty, it can at least reawaken memories of that time” It is one of the best known of Italian wines. • Soave likely takes it name from the town around which grapes like Garganega grow to perfection. • Soave is produced in both DOC and DOCG Superiore versions. The requirements for all Soave is that they contain a minimum of 70% Garganega with no more than 30% Trebbiano di Soave and or Chardonnay. Additionally 5% of the 30% may use other local white non aromatic grapes. The DOCG Superiore wines cannot be released before November 1 of the year following the harvest while the DOC wines can be consumed as of December 1 the year of the harvest. • Garganega is one of the oldest and most important of Italian grape varieties. Genetic profiling indicates that Garganega is identical to Grecanico Dorato of and Malvasia de Manresa from Spain ( no longer cultivated). DNA also suggests similarities with Veronese, Oseleta, and Rondinella, among others, likely confirming that Gargenaga has its roots in the area. • Trebbiano di Soave is identical to Bianco. The earliest mention of Trebbiano appears to be in Pliny’s Natural History…where it is recounted that a wine made from an ancient variety “agro Trebulanis” was found in Trebula in . Others claim the name Trebbiano derived from a town in Etruria called Trebulanum while others suggest the name represented grapes born around the Trebbia river in Liguria or one of the many villages found throughout Italy that are named Trebbo or Trebbio. • Chardonnay did not become common until the end of 19th century but it more than likely originated in between Lyon and Dijon in central eastern France. They say the variety may actually take its name from the village of Chardonnay in Maconnais in southern Burgundy. DNA tells us that Chardonnay is a natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc (one of the most ancient and prolific wine grapes of Europe. Today Chardonnay is one of the most versatile wine grapes in the world. Early budding makes it prey to spring frosts and thin-skin make it susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew and coulure.

PIEDMONT

Banfi Brut Cuvée Aurora La Lus L’Ardì d’Acqui Rosa Regale Principessa Gavia Gavi Principessa Perlante In 1979, the family acquired the mid-18th century winery, Bruzzone, and revitalized the facility as Banfi Piemonte.

Here, with the same dedication our skilled winemakers produce LaLus, L'Ardì Dolcetto d'Acqui, three exceptional sparkling wines: Cuvee Aurora Rose, Banfi Brut Metodo Tradizionale Classico and Rosa Regale, from the La Rosa single vineyard.

Just a few kilometers from Strevi lies the Principessa Gavia estate established by the Mariani family. This single vineyard is dedicated exclusively to Cortese grape, used to make the prized still wine Principessa Gavia Gavi and Principessa Perlante.

GAVI

• Gavi takes its name from the town around which the Cortese grape grows to perfection. By law Gavi may not be fermented or aged in wood. • There is a charming legend about the origins of the name "Gavi." It is said that in the Dark Ages there was a golden- haired princess, the daughter of Clodimir, King of the Franks. She fell in love with a young man who was a servant in her father's court. When the two approached the King to marry, Clodimir, of course, objected. Very much in love, the young couple eloped and made their way to a far part of the Kingdom, south towards Liguria and the Italian riviera. On the way there, they stopped at a small village where they found the wine to be exceptional and decided to remain there. • A local innkeeper befriended them, they confided their predicament to him and, as it happens, he did not keep their secret. The king was informed and, with his knights, went to bring back the hapless lovers. The story ends happily as King Clodimir, upon seeing his daughter, forgave her and, as a gesture of love, bequeathed to the young man as part of his daughter’s dowry, the town where she was found. The townspeople so taken with the couple and their romantic story, renamed the town after the beautiful young princess and the Mariani family did the same when they named their winery after the Principessa Gavia! • Others suggest that the name Gavi was born from the Latin word cavatum meaning cavern which later became gavio and then Gavi. • Gavi/Cortese di Gavi DOCG is a white wine that must be produced with 100% Cortese grapes grown in the province of Alessandria. Still, sparkling and Riserva (aged at least until 14 October of the year following harvest) are produced. • CORTESE as a variety is said to be extremely ancient, yet evidence of its existence was first noted in 1798 by the Agrarian Society of Turin. Count Nuvolone wrote of Cortese that the variety has “rather elongated clusters and somewhat large grapes. When they are ripe, they become yellow and are good to eat. They make good wine and in substantial quantity. And it keeps well.” Cortese, whimsical name may refer to the fact that the wine can be supple, subtle or almost “courteous” on the palate.

TUSCANY OR TOSCANA

Montepulciano San Gimignano San Gimignano The Maremma Siena CASTELLO BANFI Banfi in

The Bolgheri area is surrounded on one side by the beaches of the Tuscan Maremma and on the other side by the hills surrounding Castagneto Carducci: soils and microclimate that vary greatly, but come together to bring life to a wine of great character and unique personality. In this strip of land, native Sangiovese, along with some international vines of , and , flourish.

It was not until 1944, after had decimated vineyards across Europe, that the first vineyards were planted in the area. And the appellation was only officially recognized with a denomination of controlled origin in 1994, as a first example of an Italian "cru." Thus the Bolgheri phenomenon was born, represented by wines of intense and grand expression of "terroir," deeply tied to the soil and climate of the territory where they grow.

And it is in this uniquely endowed winegrowing region, famous throughout the world, that Banfi has launched a new adventure. The vineyards, located south of Castagneto Carducci, are situated in an area that was once the realm of the Etruscans, that ancient and fascinating people who pre-dated the Roman tribes. The elegance of these people and their legends are the basis of Banfi’s experience in Bolgheri, giving life to the prized Aska, bringing together intensity, roundness and structure.

VERMENTINO

• VERMENTINO is said to have been brought to the island of Corsica in the 13th or 14th century but it was mentioned in Piemonte in 1658 as fermentino. Some scholars say the name Vermentino from the word vermene, a local dialect word describing a young, flexible shoot. However, it is likely based on fermentino, referring to the fizzy character of young wine. • Vermentino today in Piemonte, is known as Favorita, the favorite one. It is called Pigato in Liguria after its “pigmented” skin…at harvest the grape develops freckles or measles which don’t interfere with the taste but the skin is definitely “pigmented or Pigato”. • While it was originally thought that Vermentino was introduced fro m Spain to Sardegna and Corsiica between the 14th and 17th centuries, though the grape variety has never been found in Spain and DNA finds no connection with Spain.

• TOSCANA, IGT represents wines that are white, red, or rose, still or frizzante, and/or made with dried grapes or grape that have been late harvested.

• La Pettegola Vermentino is a delightful white made with Vermentino grapes grown along the Tuscan Maremma and in the Montalcino Zone. La Pettegola has its own whimsical story. The word Pettegola actually has two meanings. One is the local word for the small birds that fly along the seacoast (sandpipers). They say when the Sandpipers flock together, they chatter, almost as though they are gossiping to one another. Interestingly, the name given to the beloved grandmothers who gossip outside their homes after the day’s chores have been done, is also “pettegola”.

• We know that when you taste our La Pettegola, you, too, will “gossip” about its captivating perfumes and flavors.

1967 – Brunello di Montalcino Founders

1978 – 2018: Four Decades

PIONEERING RESEARCH INNOVATION SUSTAINABILITY The first decade is In-depth study and Parlaying the results of Recognition for - and characterized by the intense research, from soil our research into deepening of - our Mariani family’s types and vine clones to concrete innovation in consideration for the pioneering approach in the influence of wood the vineyards as well as environment, care for our Montalcino. Bold and stainless steel in the winery. Results and colleagues, and service to investment supported an fermentation, in developments shared the customer. As guardians audacious dream to conjunction with leading with the greater of the Tuscan Terroir we elevate the region’s universities. Initial work community. Our preserve, nurture, protect standards for fine wine, lays the foundation for relentless pursuit of and promote this precious sparking a renaissance in cutting edge innovation excellence is dedicated land in perpetuity. Italian winemaking. as an integral part of our to building a better culture and philosophy. wine world. T E R R I T O R Y I N N O V A T I O N Q U A L I T Y T R A D I T I O N P A S S I O N

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y The American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham) presented Castello Banfi with the 2017 Wine Excellence Award, which rewards the Italian wine producer who has made the greatest contribution to developing bilateral relations between Italy and the United States.

The Banfi Estate in Montalcino

• Banfi was founded in 1978. • Together with the Mariani family, Ezio Rivella, one of Italy's foremost enologists, the property improved its • From the beginning, the goal was to create a state-of- development. the-art winery combined with the most advanced science in the vineyards for the production of • In those years, John and Harry also purchased premium wines. Bruzzone, a historic winery in Piedmont, specialized in the production of sparkling wines, today known as Banfi Piemonte. Most Unique Vineyard Estate made up of a Constellation of Single Vineyards 29 Soil Types

HEIGHT HEIGHT (150 Meters / 492 Feet) (350 Meters/1148 Feet) Clay, compact soil and mild temperature – more elegant wines Medium Blend and deeper soil – more flavored and full bodied wines

HEIGHT (200-350 Meters / 656-1148 Feet)

Sandy, Light and dry soil – more tannic and concentrated wines 2007 Monumental Finding: 5-million year-old vertebrae and ribs of a Pliocene era whale. Certification from vineyard to bottle

Results of the research and development of the estate are verified, communicated and shared both internally and with the greater community. Castello Banfi is the first winery in the world to be awarded international recognition for exceptional environmental, ethical and social responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA8000) as well as an international leader in customer satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000). Banfi affirms the idea that not only individuals, but the business itself, must support ethical values as part of the definition of its responsible behavior.

Our Enoteca/Wine Bar Dining The “Museum of The Balsameria creates the atmosphere of a classical Tuscan Bottle and Glass” beneath the north wing a true shop restaurant in the shade of illustrates the various of the Castello Banfi lies where, alongside our estate our medieval castle of eras of glass production the long, evocative still and sparkling wines, Poggio alleMura. In a very through history, from the Balsameria. In this , extra virgin olive oil pleasant atmosphere, our 5th century BC to our place, once used as a and Salsa Etrusca, you will menu offers the current day. remote storage for the find numerous local artisan traditional dishes of castle, our precious food and crafts. Montalcino and Tuscany. Salsa Etrusca is born and evolves. Il Borgo Featured in Wine Spectator CASTELLO BANFI IL BORGO-Featured in Forbes Article

“Slow Travel Through Central Tuscany: Breathe, Drink Sangiovese, Ignore Email” For couples, especially honeymooners, Castello Banfi Il Borgo ticks off the boxes: Luxurious suites, horizon- stretching views, fine dining, poolside lounging, pastoral serenity, , all on a romantic perch above the valley. The tiny village was built in the 1700s under the protective walls and towers of Castello di Poggio alle Mura, serving as the dwelling of farmers who worked for the noble landowners. Today, guests can visit the meticulously restored Castello, which houses a library reading room and museum, and dine under the stars on the patio of the gourmet restaurant which features an enviable list of Banfi’s back . From the pool, one can see the beginning of Montalcino’s famous vineyards and further in the distance, the wine's namesake town, an easy and scenic 12-miles away. IL BORGO NAMED TOP 5 LUXURY RESORTS IN ITALY! TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards

Castello Banfi – Il Borgo was named one of the TOP FIVE Luxury Resorts in Italy in TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice” Awards! See the article here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cLuxury-g187768 IL BORGO: EIGHT ITALIAN CASTLES WHERE YOU CAN SPEND THE NIGHT

Castello Banfi – Il Borgo: Formerly a farmers village that was born around the medieval Banfi Castle, Castello Banfi – Il Borgo has been restored and transformed into a luxury resort. It’s home to high-quality red wines (vineyards surround the area and vinos like Brunello and other Super Tuscans are produced here). The hotel also offers free wines in the guest rooms and tastings in the wine shop. But you don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to enjoy your stay. Visitors also come for the chic pool with a view of the vineyards, two restaurants, glass museum and charming ambiance (picture stone and brick pathways, cypress trees, terra-cotta flower pots, ivy crawling over stone walls and a charming rose garden). FODOR’S TRAVEL 10 of the World’s Best, Most Luxurious Wine Country Hotels

CONDE NASTE TRAVELER Top 25 Resorts in Europe Readers’ Choice Awards 2016

Banfi Awarded 2018 Ecofriendly Prize 3rd Consecutive Year

The Ecofriendly Prize was born from the cooperation of Vini Buoni d'Italia with Amorim Italia, Repower and Verallia and awards companies based on the following criteria:

• Understanding the typology and the importance of the problems related to the safeguard of the environment

• Working for minimizing the impact of business and reducing the consequential social- economics costs.

• Helping to promote consumer responsibility

• Contributing to individuate the opportunities for innovation and cost savings. • TOSCANA, IGT represents wines that are white, red, or rose, still or frizzante, and/or made with dried grapes or grape that have been late harvested.

SAN ANGELO PINOT GRIGIO (for info on Pinot Grigio, see above) • San Angelo Pinot Grigio is unique. It was the first 100% Pinot Grigio ever produced in Tuscany. In fact, when the Mariani family arrived in Tuscany in 1978 and purchased property, they decided that along with Sangiovese and Moscadello which were the two local grapes that had been traditionally planted, they would also bring in varietals like Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Merlot, , Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and among others.

• We were advised that planting white grapes was folly, that everyone knew that grapes such as Pinot Grigio, needed cool climates like those of northeastern Italy. The Mariani’s found that we had 29 different soil types and over 100 different microclimates and were determined to experiment with non-traditional varieties. The rest is history.

• We are proud that today in the Montalcino zone, the above grapes, through our research are now considered traditional and can be planted by all producers. The warmth of the Tuscan sun brings out not only a perfume of flowers and peach but also a richness on the palate, so unlike most Pinot Grigio, making San Angelo a uniquely beautiful example of this beloved grape.

Dedicated to a finer wine world

Luna Mater - Frascati Superiore Terre dei Grifi - Frascati Superiore Other Wines & Varietals Frascati Superiore Pinot Grigio Orvieto • FRASCATI – is the wine of Rome. This lovely white is produced in and around the towns of Frascati, Grottaferrata and Monteporzio Catone, located just outside the city of Rome. It is said that the winemakers of Frascati were the first franchisers of bars/restaurants/fastfood chains in the world. The producers, purchased properties in Rome and then would lease them out to bartenders, chefs, cooks with the explicit instructions that only their wines would be served. Today, Rome is still the largest outlet for the wines of Frascati. • Frascati is produced with a minimum of 70% Malvasia (di Candia and del Lazio) along with a maximum of 30% other local white varieties such as Bombino, Trebbiano, Bellone and Greco. • MALVASIA - Malvasias along with Grecos may be the most confusing of all grape varieties. In Italy we have 18 official varieties named Malvasia and some of them are red!!! Between the 1300’s and 1600’s Malvasia was likely the world’s most famous wine. The popularity of this wine was due to ’s domination of the Mediterranean Sea and it trading routes and their love for the wine and the grape. Malvasia’s can be found in every shade from white to pink to almost black. • Early on it was suggested that the name Malvasia came from the Greek island of where they suggest the grape originated. However, the Greek origin of Malvasia is NOT supported by DNA studies. • MALVASIA continued . • The Italians offer a somewhat wondrous legend about how the grape/wine found its name. They say that over the centuries, Italy was invaded by everyone and during Spain’s (or maybe even Arab) tenure in Sicily, the Spanish (or Arab) governor of the island decreed that all the first (best) wine must be given up to the governor under penalty of death. The locals were able to keep the poor wine made from the second pressing. They say there was a young man who decided to keep a few of the most delicious, luscious wine he had ever produced. Under cloak of darkness he set off to bring a bottle to his local priest and then one to his own father. Unfortunately, for the young man, he came upon the governor while carrying these two special bottles. The governor stopped the young man and demanded to know what he was carrying. The young man lied and said it is “mallow juice.” The governor not believing the man and desiring to make an example of him, grabbed for the two bottles. The young man saw his life flash before his eyes, and as he handed over the bottles, the young man looked to heaven and prayed to God to transform the juice and , “let it be mallow”. The governor then tasted and spat out the really bad wine. A miracle had occurred, what moments before had been the most unctuous of wines was now bitter and the wine became known as “let it be mallow” or “Malvasia”. MALVASIA di CANDIA Candia is the ancient name of the island of where the grape supposedly originated. However, DNA does not support that theory. The grape variety is also called Malvasia di Alessandria and Malvasia a Sapore di Moscato (Flavor of Moscato), those names refer to the aromatic varietal and Malvasia Bianca di Candia refers to the non-aromatic varietal. MALVASIA del LAZIO Malvasia di Lazio is also known as Malvasia Puntinata as its berries are covered with rusty looking spots or “punti” Puntinata in Italian means “dotted”. Ian D’Agata suggested that Malvasia del Lazio is one of Italy’s greatest white grapes. Recent DNA shows that this grape is a cross between of Alexandria and Schiava Grossa. The crossing likely took place in Lazio. Malvasia del Lazio and Muscat of Hamburg share the same parents, so they are full siblings. GRECO Most Italian Greco’s are Greek imports likely first brought to by Greek colonists. However, some of these so called “Greek” imports took their names from the fact that they reminded one or tasted like “Greek” wines. The two most famous of these “Greek” grapes are Greco and Greco Bianco which isn’t a Greco at all, Greco Bianco is actually Malvasia di ! Greco ripens late and offers low vigor and quantity. For winemakers it oxidizes easily. In the best of circumstances, it produces wines that are big and well structured. BOMBINO Some suggest that Bombino was born in Spain but others believe the grape is indigenous to Italy. One thought on the name is that it means little bomb while another is that the cluster of grapes reminds one a tiny baby (bambino) with outstretched arms. FONTANA CANDIDA

SANTA TERESA VINEYARD Throughout the world, Fontana Candida is synonymous with Frascati. This ancient wine, born in the Roman hills, has deservedly been called "the wine of popes and of the people." While the popes drank Frascati daily, the people would only drink it on important Vatican occasions. It is said that during the papal elections of Innocent X (Giambattista Pamphili in 1644) and of Clement X (Emilioi Altieri in 1670), Frascati spouted from the fountains, the marble nostrils of Marcus Aurelius's horse and the lions of the Capitol to the delight and amusement of the people. Citizens rushed out with bottles and cups to capture the wine and enjoy it fully.

In addition to our popular Frascati Superiore, our U.S. portfolio consists of Pinot Grigio from the Veneto region and Orvieto Classico from the region. Fontana Candida was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Monteporzio Catone, Rome.

Luna Mater (Mother Moon) reflects the wines close ties to nature and it’s vineyards with an average age of 50 years

The label is based on the original work created for the fiftieth anniversary of Fontana Candida by the Roman artist: Domenico Bianchi Luna Mater reflects the noblest tradition of Frascati through:

➢ Santa Teresa single vineyard (average age of vines ~ 50 years)

➢ Selection of the best grapes: Malvasia del Lazio Malvasia di Candia Greco and Bombino (very rare varieties)

➢ Vinified in a unique three part process to express the varietal character : Contemporary - grapes chilled overnight before gentle pressing Traditional - skin contact fermentation Innovative - add whole grapes to fermenting must

➢ Ageing in bottle in the ancient caves of the Fontana Candida cellars

ABRUZZO

CERULLI SPINOZZI Torre Migliori d’ Cortalto

Cerulli Spinozzi

The Cerulli family has been part of the fabric of the Abruzzi for centuries, traditionally prospering not from grapes or olives, but from wool sheared from local sheep and delivered to to be woven into world-renowned textiles. However, the Cerulli family has always been forward-thinking. Grandfather Cerulli founded Casal Thaulero which, under his presidency, swiftly went on to become the Abruzzi’s most successful wine cooperative.

More recently, his grandson Enrico, has taken over management of his ancestral property, the 148-acre AZIENDA AGRICOLA CERULLI SPINOZZI. Enrico’s passion, however, is to make outstanding wine from the Montepulciano grape. To accomplish this goal he has recruited one of Italy’s most celebrated and sought-after consulting winemakers: FRANCO BERNABEI. Completing the team is PAOLO FACCIN, the on-site winemaker.

How are they raising the bar? …by wines like Cortalto Pecorino and Torre Migliori

Most Montepulciano imported into the U.S. comes from the large Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. However, there is an immeasurably superior quality subzone called Colline Teramane (Teramane Hills), Abruzzi’s only DOCG (awarded in 2002). This tiny area produces a trickle of wine – less than 0.5% of the volume of the larger DOC! Luckily, Cerulli owns 10% of the DOCG’s 100 ha (247 acres) and makes its top bottling, TORRE MIGLIORI, from 100% DOCG fruit. Colli Aprutini, IGT is a designation used for white, rose and red wines made from allowed grape varieties that grow in and around the Aprutini hills. If one grape variety is used on the label, the wine is required to use at least 85% of that specific grape variety.

PECORINO is a white grape which takes its wacky name from Pecora or sheep. It may have orginiated in the Marche in Central Italy. In Calabria, a grape also known as Pecorino is identical to Greco Bianco also known as Pecorello Bianco. Some suggest the grape variety Pecorino was domesticated from wild grapes. It is said that this grape was known as the Uva delle Pecore or Uva Pecore referring to the sheep herders who ate the grapes while accompanying their sheep up and down the hills and valleys while searching for food. Generally speaking, wines made from Pecorino are delicately herbal but can be quite concentrated like that of Cortalto.

EMILIA ROMAGNA

Ottocento Nero FB Lambrusco

February 10, 1950, nine wine producers from the agriculturally rich Emilia-Romagna region "united" to form the Cantine Cooperative Riunite.

• EMILIA – IGT refers to white, red and rose wines that are made with grapes grown in the Emilia in Emilia Romagna • TREBBIANO (see above for information) • MOSCATO is a wondrous grape variety producing myriad wines from still to fully sparkling, dry to sweet. • Moscato or Muscat is a name for over 200 distinct varieties of white, pink or red-skinned grapes that all share a distinct “musky” character. The name likely derives from that “musky” aroma that is produced by the Musk deer in southern Asia, that as early as the fifth century AD was used to create a rare perfume. • Moscato Bianco is the most common of all of grapes in this family. It is sometimes called Moscato di Canelli in Italy and likely what we know as Moscadello in Montalcino is also Moscato Bianco. This varietal’s most recognizable trait, is its haunting fragrance of “musk”. It is the terpenes of linalool, geraniol and nerol which form the aromas of blossom, pineapple, honey, sage and rose that are so typical of the Muscat varietals. • Moscato Bianco is the most floral of all Moscato varietals and offers hints of white peach, apricot and honey. • While some suggest that this grape variety was brought from Asia Minor by the Phoenicians, other believe a Greek influence, but it is now thought that Moscato Bianco actually originated in Italy on her peninsula. The name may come from “mosca” or fly. The haunting fragrance and sweetness of the grapes attracted both flies and bees (“apianae”) which some say was the original name of the wine in the days of the early Romans.

TUSCANY OR TOSCANA Most Unique Vineyard Estate made up of a Constellation of Single Vineyards MOSCADELLO di MONTALCINO is a white wine produced with Moscadello (Moscato Bianco at least 85%) grapes that have been grown in Montalcino since the days of the Renaissance. It was suggested that the “salty” sea air only about 18 miles away produced a grape that was more highly regarded than any other Moscato. However, phylloxera destroyed most of the vineyards and it was not until the Mariani family arrived in Montalcino in the late 70’s that Moscadello di Montalcino was actually brought back to life. The wine may be produced in everything from a light and fizzy style to the rich and unctuous character of FloruS.

SICILY

FLORIO Targa Passito di Pantelleria Amaro Marsala Fine Dry Marsala Fine Sweet Gran Chef Marsala

FEUDO SARTANNA Zirito Kirkinti

MALVASIA delle LIPARI is one of the most ancient of Sicilian wines. In the first century BC historian Diodorus wrote that the grape variety, Malvasia, was introduced to the island by the . It is a white wine that by law is produced in a passito and liquoroso style. The wine must be produced with a minimum of 95% of Malvasia with a maximum of Corinto Nero grown in the Aeolian (Lipari) islands in the province of Messina. The wine may also be produced in a Passito (dried grapes) or Liquoroso (fortified) style. Malvasia delle Lipari is one and the same with Malvasia di Sardegna, Greco Bianco di Gerace, Malvasia di Sitges (Spain), Malvasia Candida () and Malvasia Dubrovacka (Croatia).

MALVASIA (ADDITIONAL INFO, SEE ABOVE)

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